Full Day South Guided Tour Mauritius: Including Lunch

South Mauritius packs volcanoes, temples, waterfalls, colored earth, and wild coast into one busy day. This private tour makes that mix easy to reach, with hotel pickup, a driver-guide, lunch, and stops at the island’s best-known southern sights.

I like the private format, since your group can ask questions and sometimes adjust the pace. I also like the mix of nature and culture: you move from a volcanic crater to the Hindu pilgrimage site at Grand Bassin, then on to Chamarel’s waterfall and colored earth.

The main trade-off is time. Six hours covers a lot of ground, so several stops are photo visits rather than long walks. You will spend a fair part of the day in the car, and the heat, humidity, stairs, and uneven ground can make the schedule feel full.

Key points before you book

• A private six-hour route covers seven stops without putting you in a large group.
• Grand Bassin adds real cultural meaning, not just another scenic viewpoint.
• Chamarel Waterfalls and Seven Colored Earths are the day’s main visual rewards.
• Saint Aubin lunch is part of the price, with local food and a drink included.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off remove the hassle of arranging transport across the south.
• Bright sunshine helps at Chamarel, while hot, humid weather calls for sensible clothing and water.

Why this south Mauritius route works

Mauritius is compact on a map, but its sights are spread across the island. Seeing the southern and southwestern highlights independently means arranging a car, working out the order of stops, and handling unfamiliar roads. This tour folds those tasks into one private outing for $115 per person.

That price is easier to justify if you are staying outside the south, visiting Mauritius from a cruise, or want a first look at several major sights in one day. Hotel pickup, lunch, local taxes, and a driver-guide are included. Additional drinks are not, so keep that small extra cost in mind.

The route is also useful for solo visitors. Several solo women praised the care and safety provided by their guides, including Ajay and Luc. Other highly praised guides included Hughes, Robin, and Aarvin, with particular appreciation for local stories, punctuality, and friendly driving.

You should not expect a slow nature walk or a long stay at each attraction. This is a sightseeing circuit. It gives you a strong first impression of the south, then leaves you to decide which places deserve a longer return visit.

Trou aux Cerfs: a quick look into Mauritius’s volcanic past

The day begins at Trou aux Cerfs, an extinct volcanic crater above Curepipe. You get about 15 minutes here, mainly for photographs and the broad view toward nearby towns.

The stop is short, but it gives useful context. Mauritius was shaped by volcanic activity, and this crater makes that story visible without requiring a demanding hike. The elevated viewpoint also helps you see how settled the central part of the island is.

Do not expect to walk around the crater at length. The value here is the view and the quick geological introduction. If clouds or haze settle over the area, the outlook may be less impressive than on a clear morning.

Curepipe and the sustainable shop stop

The route continues into Curepipe for a 30-minute stop at The Pop Up Store, described as a sustainable shop. This adds a local shopping angle to a day otherwise focused on scenery and religious sites.

I would treat this as optional in spirit, even though it is built into the route. If you enjoy locally themed products and want a short indoor break, it may suit you. If you would rather spend every minute outdoors, the stop may feel less important than the crater, temple, or waterfall.

A private guide can make this part more useful by explaining what you are seeing and keeping the stop from taking longer than planned. Still, you should feel free to ask how much time is available before browsing.

Grand Bassin: the day’s cultural center

Grand Bassin, also called the Sacred Lake, is one of the oldest Hindu pilgrimage destinations in Mauritius. The tour allows about an hour here, making it one of the more substantial stops.

This is where the day moves beyond scenic sightseeing. You can see the temple setting, learn about Hindu practice in Mauritius, and understand why this lake matters to the island’s religious life. Guides are especially valuable here, since a few clear explanations can add meaning to the buildings and rituals around you.

Dress and behave respectfully at this sacred place. Your guide can help you understand where to walk and what to observe. The site may also involve stairs or uneven ground, so comfortable shoes are a smart choice.

An hour is enough to look around without rushing, though it is not an extended religious or cultural program. I would listen closely here, since the human story is likely to stay with you longer than a quick photograph.

Saint Aubin lunch with a forest view

Lunch at Saint Aubin lasts about an hour and is included in the tour. The meal features local Mauritian food and a drink, with the setting receiving as much praise as the plate itself.

This is a useful pause in a fast-moving day. Several people especially liked the combination of good food and a scenic tropical forest view. That setting turns lunch into part of the experience rather than a basic stop at an ordinary roadside restaurant.

The tour description does not specify a fixed menu, so do not book this expecting a particular dish. Instead, think of it as a chance to sample local flavors while your driver-guide keeps the day moving.

Additional drinks cost extra. In hot, humid conditions, you may want to budget for them. The included drink is helpful, but one beverage may not be enough for everyone during a full day outdoors.

Gris Gris Beach and the southern coast

After lunch, you stop at Gris Gris Beach for about 15 minutes. This is another photo stop, not a beach day or a long coastal walk.

Gris Gris gives the route a different mood from the inland attractions. You get a glimpse of the southern coast and a chance to photograph the sea and shoreline before heading toward Chamarel. The short visit works well if you want variety, but it will feel brief if coastal scenery is your main reason for booking.

Keep your expectations practical. The schedule gives you a look, not hours by the water. If you prefer long beach stops, this tour’s priorities may not match yours.

Chamarel Waterfalls: a 100-meter photo stop

Chamarel Waterfalls is one of the strongest visual stops on the route. The waterfall drops about 100 meters, and the tour allows 15 minutes for photographs.

That timing is enough to reach the viewpoint and take in the scene, but not enough for a long walk or relaxed exploration. You will want your camera ready before leaving the vehicle. The waterfall stop is particularly worthwhile for anyone who wants a classic Mauritius photograph without committing to a strenuous outing.

The short duration also explains why some people find the day tiring. Each stop is attractive, but the schedule keeps asking you to get out, look, photograph, and get back in. I would focus on the view rather than trying to see every angle.

Seven Colored Earths in bright weather

The final major attraction is the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark, with about an hour to explore and photograph the unusual soil formations. The colored earth is the signature stop for many people, and the effect is strongest in bright sunshine.

This is a good reason to check the weather before setting out. Cloudy conditions may soften the colors, while strong sun brings out the contrast more clearly. The site is designed for viewing rather than wandering across the formations, so follow the marked areas and use the hour to take in the different tones.

You may also find this stop easier than the crater or Grand Bassin if you prefer a managed viewpoint with time for photographs. Still, heat can build quickly, and there may be steps or uneven surfaces along the route. Wear shoes that can handle both.

The waterfall and colored earth together provide the day’s biggest scenic payoff. If those two sights are your main goals, this tour delivers them without asking you to plan a separate southern excursion.

What the driver-guide adds

The guide can make or break a route like this. You are not simply being driven between viewpoints. The best part of the private setup is having someone explain the island’s history, religious traditions, geography, and daily life as you go.

The strongest praise has gone to guides who were warm, punctual, attentive, and willing to add a little when time allowed. Luc was singled out for local stories and background. Hughes was praised for explaining the island and even taking the group to extra places. Robin received similar credit for pointing out interesting details, while Ajay made a solo woman feel well looked after.

That does not guarantee which guide you will receive, so book this for the route and format rather than one particular person. Even so, the repeated attention to guiding suggests that the human side of the tour is a major part of its value.

Because this is a private activity, only your group participates. That gives you more room to ask questions than a large coach tour. It may also allow a little flexibility, though you should not assume that every stop can be extended without affecting the rest of the day.

The real cost of covering so much ground

The biggest drawback is not poor value. It is the amount of movement packed into six hours. One person found the distance long and felt that the day involved too much time in the car. That is a fair warning.

You will visit seven listed stops, but only Grand Bassin, Saint Aubin, and the Seven Coloured Earths receive about an hour. Trou aux Cerfs, Gris Gris Beach, and Chamarel Waterfalls are quick visits. This is ideal for a first survey of the south, less ideal if you want deep time at one location.

The $115 price includes several practical benefits:

• Private transport for your group
• Hotel pickup and return
• A driver-guide
• Local taxes
• Lunch
• A drink with lunch

For a solo person, the per-person cost may feel high. For a small group sharing a private vehicle, it becomes easier to defend, especially when you count the included meal and the time saved on route planning.

Heat, walking, and what to bring

Mauritius can be hot and humid, and this tour puts you outside at several points. Bring water, sun protection, and light clothing that is suitable for visiting Grand Bassin.

Wear comfortable shoes. The route includes stairs and uneven ground, particularly at outdoor viewpoints and the sacred lake. Most people can take part, but the day is not ideal if walking on irregular surfaces is difficult.

A phone with the mobile ticket available is useful, though the operator confirms bookings at the time of purchase. Since the experience depends on good weather, poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Canceling or changing the booking later does not qualify for a refund, and a minimum number of participants may apply even though the activity itself is private.

Who should book this tour?

I would recommend it to a first-time visitor who wants to see several southern highlights in one day. It also suits cruise passengers, solo visitors seeking included transport, and small groups that value a private guide over a large bus.

It is a good fit if you want a mix of Hindu culture, volcanic scenery, waterfalls, coastal views, local food, and the Seven Coloured Earths. The route gives you a broad picture of south Mauritius with little planning on your part.

I would choose something slower if you dislike car time or want long walks, extended beach time, or hours at one attraction. I would also ask about the shopping stop if retail visits are not your thing, since that 30-minute pause may feel less rewarding than another scenic viewpoint.

Should you book the South Mauritius tour?

Book it if your priority is efficient sightseeing with a private driver, included lunch, and hotel transport. The 4.8 rating from 32 reviews and 97 percent recommendation rate fit the tour’s strongest qualities: helpful guides, memorable scenery, a safe feel for solo visitors, and a lunch setting people genuinely enjoyed.

Skip it if you want a relaxed day with plenty of time at each place. For everyone else, this is a sensible way to get your bearings in southern Mauritius, especially when the Chamarel waterfall, Seven Coloured Earths, Grand Bassin, and Saint Aubin meal all appeal.

FAQ

How long does the South Guided Tour Mauritius last?

The tour lasts approximately six hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation from your hotel is included.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch and a drink are included at Saint Aubin. Additional drinks are not included.

Which attractions are visited?

The route includes Trou aux Cerfs, Curepipe, Grand Bassin, Saint Aubin, Gris Gris Beach, Chamarel Waterfalls, and the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.